Night of Sorrows

"A large-canvas masterpiece...[Sherwood] gives us culture clash in all its realistically burning heat. Topnotch storytelling; hypervivid history." "Vividly re-creates the resounding collision between Spanish and Aztec civilizations...A triad of history lesson, adventure saga and love story in one seamless narrative." "The linguistic and narrative riches of the book enhance its moral complexity: Sherwood has refused to settle for the black-and-white thinking that so often mars this sort of historical fiction." -- Jay Parini

A historical novel about the conquistador Cortes and the Aztec princess Malintzin, by a "stunning" (New York Times Book Review) writer. Night of Sorrows plunges readers into the conflicting New Worlds of the mysterious Malintzin, born as an Aztec princess and sold as a slave, and her dashing and ruthless lover-master, conquistador Hernan Cortes. As they march through the Empire of the Sun to the shimmering island metropolis, Tenochtitlan (Mexico City), Cortes advances his cause by winning friends through Machiavellian conniving and confronting enemies in merciless battle. We witness the volatile dynamics and multifarious intrigues of the commander and his temperamental compadres, and weather the heartbreaking inner odyssey of Malintzin. Set at the twilight of the Aztec empire-April 1519 through the night of sorrows, la noche triste, June 30, 1520-Night of Sorrows explores the nature of slavery and imperialism, prostitution, friendship, feminine identity, and the macho ideal. Combining historical and fictional characters, Frances Sherwood's new novel is the story of a spectacular clash of traditions, imbued with her characteristic humor and bringing to life the colors, smells, and sounds of Mexico. Reading group guide included.